Monthly archives "September 2012"

Many of us are used to supermarket shelves that look identical all year round, with food flown in from all over the world. But, the coming of spring means it’s all change in the plant world. This will be the last week for minneolas, but broad beans, sweet peas, mange tout, asparagus and, perhaps our most requested veg, broccoli are all making an appearance. There is very limited availability of some lines, so get your order in early.

Thank You
Thank you for the overwhelming response to our appeal for donations to return Robson’s body to his children in Zimbabwe. Many people who’ve never met Robson, or are new to us and may not even have had him pack a box for them, have donated generously, and we managed to raise the full amount. There were delays from the Zimbabwe side, but I’ve just heard right now that his body is flying back tonight.

It means a great deal to his children, the rest of his family, and to all of us who knew him. Thank you for all the donations and good wishes.

Specials
We recently expanded our warehouse, but got a bit excited in filling it and have overstocked some lines. So, to help move them, we have a wide range of products on special this week, including Earthshine’s fantastic flax crackers that go well with any dip – a great healthy snack without the range of nasties and heated oils in most snacks.

New Claremont Collection Point
We have a new collection point opening in Claremont this week, Allisone in Ripelby Road. Orders can be collected there from Thursday 11.30am – more details on the site.

This week, the Ethical Co-op lost one of our colleagues, Robson Phiri, who passed away early on Monday morning.

Before joining us in October 2008, Robson worked for many years in an asbestos mine near Masvingo in Zimbabwe. The mine collapsed, and many of its workers had not been paid for long periods of time. His time there also left him with a legacy of asbestos poisoning.

He was off work for the last month, and was hopeful of returning soon each time we spoke to him, so it came as a shock to hear the news this week.

His condition deteriorated late last week, and an ambulance was called. It eventually arrived, determined there was nothing wrong, and left again, suggesting he take his regular medication. By Sunday things were worse still, and he was taken to hospital, where he died at about 4am on Monday morning. His family were only informed later on Monday.

Robson leaves two young daughters, Candice and Carol, living in Zimbabwe.

Everyone who has ordered from Ethical has been touched by Robson’s positivity and his energy; he was the night shift supervisor, leading the team packing through Wednesday night before the boxes go out early on Thursday morning.

There are pictures on our Facebook page, and I’ll be putting some on our blog soon as well.

His family are desperately trying to raise R13 000 to return his body to his children and family in Zimbabwe, and anyone who feels touched to contribute can do so by depositing into our bank account. Please use the reference “Robson”, followed, if you wish to us to pass on the details, by your name.

We will be handing over the money first thing on Monday, so please make any contributions well before then to ensure the money arrives in time.